Susie Chamberlin-Dawes and Jeff Dawes have been 360 Tour Designs franchisees since 2017. The Indianapolis couple had been searching for a profitable, fun and creative brand that would allow them to leave the corporate world and build a business together. They discovered exactly what they wanted and more in 360 Tour Designs. By Patty Horansky
Professional Imagery Proves Profitable and Fun
Susie Chamberlin-Dawes and Jeff Dawes have been 360 Tour Designs franchisees since 2017. The Indianapolis couple had been searching for a profitable, fun and creative brand that would allow them to leave the corporate world and build a business together. They discovered exactly what they wanted and more in 360 Tour Designs.
The brand was founded in 2009 to help real estate agents sell their listings faster by providing high-quality professional imagery, including HD photography, videography, interactive floor plans, 3D walkthroughs, virtual staging and more.
Susie had an interest in real estate, and Jeff was a photography and videography enthusiast. Neither, however, were professional real estate agents or photographers.
“After some heart-to-heart discussions over the course of a couple of years, we realized that working in a corporate environment wasn’t suited for us,” Jeff said. “We knew that, with our specific skill sets, passion for helping others and drive to build our own business, we were ready to get out on our own.”
The Pennsylvania-based brand provides comprehensive training in photography and all aspects of the business. It offers scalability, a low point of entry, minimal overhead, large profit margins, protected territories, proprietary technology and ongoing support and mentoring.
“The onboarding process was quite simple and efficient,” Jeff recalled. “We arrived at the home office, learned about the processes and jumped right into some hands-on training with the cameras, drone work and 3D tours.”
360 Tour Designs touts multiple recurring revenue streams by servicing an ever-widening list of industries needing professional photography, including residential real estate, apartment complexes and short-term rentals, small businesses and data collection and forensics for insurance companies and attorneys.
Susie and Jeff have partnered with over 500 real estate agents in central Indiana as well as brokerage firms, commercial real estate teams and custom and national home builders, and they subcontract for several national organizations. Their team of photographers includes Susie, Jeff and four independent contractors. Altogether, the team handles about 30 jobs a day, from photography, aerial photography and videography to 3D tours, Zillow shoots, floor plans and more.
Susie manages scheduling, payroll and customer service, while Jeff primarily works in the field, takes on specialty projects and builds relationships. Several part-time staff members assist with administrative tasks, such as photo delivery and building out 3D tours. The brand has given the couple the freedom to create their own path personally, professionally and financially.
“When we first started, it was as simple as walking in the door to our local real estate brokerage, setting up a meeting with their local manager and simply asking for five minutes of time during their next internal sales meeting with their agents,” explained Jeff.
The couple has hosted lunch presentations, sponsored local events and worked with area realty boards, but most of their growth has come through word of mouth.
“When Susie and I started this business, our motto together was, ‘Failure is not an option.’ It maintains true to this day,” Jeff said. “We simply provide excellent customer service and quality products to our beloved clients. Every time.”
Patty Horansky